48 Hours in Washington DC

A couple weekends ago, my college friends and I met in Washington DC for a mini reunion. I don't know about you, but I think DC is the perfect place to spend a weekend for two reasons: the museums are free and no one does brunch quite like our nation's capital! Here are some of the highlights/places I definitely recommend going next time you find yourself on the East Coast with some time to kill.

Food: Le Diplomat

Have you ever woken up craving the most perfect omelet? Or perhaps a café au lait? Or maybe just a freshly baked baguette? Friends, I urge you to look no further than Le Diplomate, a French café a couple blocks from Dupont Circle. It’s definitely the closest I’ve come in the US to duplicating the experience of a Parisian café—their croissant is to die for! I almost took a dozen home with me.

I also highly recommend the omelet. The French know how to make omelets—not too cheesy, silky smooth, with the perfect ratio of herbs. Yeah, I’m a little obsessed. But eat here once and tell me I’m wrong. Also, order the pastry basket. Just do it, you won’t regret it! They bake all the pastries fresh in house every morning. Oh, and get here early or make a reservation. It can get super busy on a weekend.

Visit: Renwick Gallery 

DC has some wonderful art galleries, and I highly recommend all of them, but if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, try the Renwick Gallery. It’s a modern art gallery near the White House. The architecture is incredible and they always have some fun exhibit. While we were there they were exhibiting art from Burning Man. Oh, and it’s always free!

I know, I know, you hate modern art. You don’t understand it, you think it’s a little derivative and that your 5 year old niece could have done it. I don’t have time here to tell you why, but you’re wrong. Just go to a modern art gallery, read the descriptions for all the artwork and the artists stories and tell me you’re not affected by at least one of them. 

Do: Eastern Market

If farmers markets or flea markets are your thing, take a stroll through Eastern Market at least once during your stay in DC. It’s a delightful hybrid of the two with artisans, vintage sellers, and some of the most beautiful produce! Oh, and be sure to check out the pottery studio in the basement.

Shop: Capitol Hill Books

As many of you know I used to own a used bookstore, and honestly, Capitol Hill Books was my main inspiration for wanting to open one. It is quirky and crowded, poorly organized and always busy, but it’s perfect! To this day it is still one of my favorite places in DC.

See: United States Botanic Gardens

You know me, I love three things: books, cats, and plants. Oh, and good people watching! So, of course the United States Botanic Gardens were going to get a mention on this list. Okay, but hear me out. It’s a great place to window shop for new houseplants, warm up when it’s absolutely freezing outside, and photobomb adorable engagement photos (or take your own). Also, like all the Smithsonians, it is free! Still not convinced? Here are some photos:

That’s my very short DC round up. I have so many more specific recommendations like definitely eat at an Ethiopian restaurant while you’re there, see the Capitol Building and the White House, and if you’re feeling up to it, visit the Holocaust Museum. Honestly there’s so much to do that you will be coming back for years to come! 

Let me know if you visit any of these places on your next adventure, and thanks for reading!